Manjunatha Gowda v. The State Of Maharashtra

1 924-ABA 2670-25.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO.2670 OF 2025 Manjunatha Gowda ... Applicant V/s.

The State of Maharashtra ... Respondent ----- Ms. Anjali Patil, Tohid Shaikh, Onkar Gurav, Riddhi Kothlikar, Neha Bhavsar for the Applicant.

Mr. P. H. Gaikwad, APP for the Respondent-State. PI Ranjit Andhale, IO, Kashimira Police Station is present. ----- CORAM :

N.R. BORKAR, J.

DATE :

01ST OCTOBER 2025 P.C. :

Digitally signed by MUGDHA MANOJ PARANJAPE Date:

2025.10.03 14:40:37 +0530 MUGDHA MANOJ PARANJAPE 1.

This is an Application for anticipatory bail. 2.

The Applicant is apprehending his arrest in Crime No.301 of 2025 registered with Kashimira Police Station for the offences punishable under Sections 143(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 3, 4, 5 & 8 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. 3.

According to the prosecution, the Applicant is the proprietor of Suryaprakash Lodge. The allegations against the present Applicant and coaccused are that they were running the brothel in Suryaprakash Lodge and Mantra Hotel.

4.

I have heard Learned Counsel for the Applicant and Learned APP for the Respondent-State.

2 924-ABA 2670-25.doc 5.

Learned Counsel for the Applicant submits that the Applicant has nothing to do with the alleged crime. It is submitted that there is no need of custodial interrogation and the Applicant is ready and willing to cooperate in the investigation.

6.

On the other hand, Learned APP for the Respondent-State submits that the contention of the Applicant that he was not aware of the alleged activity cannot be accepted. It is submitted that the Applicant is involved in two more crimes. It is submitted that the Applicant therefore, may not be released on anticipatory bail.

7.

I have perused the statements of the victims. There is nothing in their statements to infer that the present Applicant persuaded them to engage in the prostitution activities. There appears to be no need of custodial interrogation. Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, I am inclined to release the Applicant on anticipatory bail. Hence, the following order:

ORDER

i.

The Anticipatory Bail Application is allowed. ii.

In the event of the arrest of the Applicant in Crime No.301 of 2025 registered with Kashimira Police Station for the offences punishable under Sections 143(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 3, 4, 5 & 8 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, he shall be released on bail on furnishing a PR Bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) with one or two sureties in the like amount.

iii. The Applicant shall not commit any other crime.

3 924-ABA 2670-25.doc iv.

The Applicant shall not enter into the limits of Kashimira Police Station till conclusion of the trial.

v.

Liberty is granted to the prosecution to file an application for cancellation of anticipatory bail in case the Applicant commits breach of any of the above conditions.

8.

The Anticipatory Bail Application is disposed of in the aforesaid terms.

(N.R. BORKAR, J.)